Solar Panel Maintenance: 5 Easy DIY Steps

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Using solar panels to create solar power toget your energy is a great way to reduce your overall cost and be more environmentally friendly. It also allows you to have more independence and be more mobile. Many people opt for solar energy for their RVs or campers, making it easier to move from one place to another without concern for hooking up to an outside energy source.

It also gives you independence in your usual living environment. With solar power, you’ll have a backupsource in case of an emergency or have an everyday energy supply without having to rely on the energy company. These days, many people are opting for solar panels in lieu of a generator because it’s more reliable and better for the health of the environment and the people living in the home.

Solar panels are easy to use once they are installed and they require relatively little maintenance or upkeep. Dealing with the transition to solar energy might take a bit of getting used to but overall most people find it very easy to use and take care of.

There are a few basic things you’ll need to do to keep your solar panels in good condition and make the most of your solar investment.

Tools for Keeping Your Solar Panels Maintained

There are a few things you’ll need to keep up with maintenance on your solar cells. Safety is one of your most important concerns and you’ll want to make sure that if your solar panels are on the roof and your home is more than two stories, you’ll want to consider a cleaning extender or washing tool that makes it possible to reach from the ground onto the solar panels.

Solar panel kits usually include the tools you need for cleaning. Therefore, if you’re shopping for panels, make sure you look at the tools included in the kit. Most don’t come with extendable handle brushes. So, if you’ll be installing your panels on a high roof, check into investing in a brush like this. You can also purchase kits separately if your kit doesn’t come with the needed tools or if you aren’t happy with what you got.

Step-by-Step Guide for Solar Panel Maintenance

Step 1

The first step for dealing with solar panel maintenance is to determine if the panels need to be cleaned. This depends on a number of factors, including the location of your panels, the recent weather conditions, and the panels themselves. Solar panels don’t need a lot of cleaning, but you’ll want to check in on them every so often and make sure they aren’t dirty. Dirty panels don’t gather the energy from the sun as well as clean panels, so you’re reducing the efficiency of your panels if you leave too much time between cleanings.

Solar panel monitoring systems help you track the amount of energy from your panels, so you’ll know when a cleaning is in order. Otherwise, you’ll need to check your panels for dirt on a fairly regular basis.

Step 2

Once you know it’s time for a cleaning, you can get your cleaning supplies together and prep for the cleaning.

You’ll want to use soap to clean the panels and you need to use one that doesn’t leave any residue behind. There are special soaps designed for solar panel cleaning, but it’s not necessary to buy a specialized soap. Castile soap is an effective option that works well, is environmentally friendly, and doesn’t cost much.

Every solar panel is different, so make sure you check the instructions or guidelines that came with your panel kit to make sure there is nothing special you need to do or not do to clean them.

Step 3

Brush away large debris before you begin cleaning with soap. This includes leaves, twigs, and other large items. Your extendable handheld brush makes it easy to push off debris and then wash your panels gently. The last thing you want is to scrub too hard because it can scratch the panels and affect how they work. Also, make sure you aren’t stepping on the panels as you clean them because that can also scratch and crack the panels.

Step 4

Once you’re done washing with soap it’s time to rinse off your panels. You can use your hose with spray feature on to wash away the soap and any remaining debris. Though you might think a pressure washer is helpful for rinsing, it’s too rough. The intense spray will damage the panels, so you’re better off just using the spray feature on a regular hose.

Step 5

Finally, you’ll need to follow up by monitoring the output of your panels after they are cleaned. Most people see an uptick in efficiency following a good cleaning. Monitoring your energy output also makes sure you recognize when it’s time for the next cleaning.

A solar panel kit is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of solar energy quickly, affordably, and efficiently. They are easy to maintain and they are an investment that will benefit you financially for many years to come. Some people will even be able to gain tax benefits or benefits from their local municipality or energy company for using solar energy.

If you’re looking for an easy way to be energy independent and improve your energy situation overall, consider investing in solar panels and taking advantage of all the benefits of using solar energy.